Are you ready to discover your happy place? South Carolina’s state parks offer some of the most inviting natural, cultural and recreational destinations in the country. From stunning mountains and towering waterfalls, blackwater rivers and scenic inland lakes to sandy beaches and treasured historic sites, you can find your perfect camping destination in one of South Carolina’s 47 state parks.
Camping in South Carolina
You don’t have to be an avid outdoorsman to enjoy staying in a state park. South Carolina’s state parks offer a wide range of overnight accommodations, including 200 cabins and lodging facilities and nearly 3,000 RV and tent campsites for those ready to spend a night under the stars.
Quaint, rustic Civilian Conservation Corps-built cabins can be found in several of the parks, including Table Rock State Park. Nine of Table Rock’s 14 cabins are historic CCC-built structures, and all are fully furnished with bath and bed linens, basic cooking and eating utensils, an automatic coffee maker and more. The cabins also have heating and air conditioning, so they’re perfect to stay in year-round.
Guests looking for a more modern overnight stay should check out the five lakeside villas at Dreher Island State Park. These villas include all the comforts of home, including complimentary Wi-Fi, a screened porch, outside grill and picnic table. There are also 10 camper cabins available for rent at Dreher Island that provide more of a camping experience for those who are ready to try their hand at cooking in the great outdoors but still prefer to sleep with a roof over their heads.
Campground Activities
South Carolina’s unique geography allows you to choose from a wide array of park adventures. From building sandcastles along the coast to horseback riding in the Midlands and hiking in the Upstate, South Carolina’s state parks are jam-packed with exciting things to do.
Some state parks are home to National Historic Landmarks, such as Atalaya, the Moorish-style winter retreat of renowned 20th-century sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington and her husband, philanthropist and Spanish scholar Archer Huntington, located at Huntington Beach State Park. Visitors can take self-guided or docent-led tours of the castle-like structure where the cool corridors provide a welcome respite from the sun and sand.
Along the coast, hikers can catch glimpses of maritime forests, marshy creeks and some of the state’s most unique birds while those looking for a challenge will enjoy Table Rock’s long trek to the top of Pinnacle and Table Rock Mountains. Our state parks also provide access to some of the best fishing in the Palmetto State. Dreher Island State Park has long been popular with recreational boaters and fishermen and has been a launching spot for major national bass tournaments. Many parks even offer tackle loaner programs where guests can borrow equipment at no charge.
Find Your Happy Place
South Carolina State Park reservations may be made up to 13 months in advance through our online reservation system. Start your adventure by selecting one of the parks from the drop-down menu or search parks by reservation type. Campsites typically have a minimum stay of two nights and a maximum of 14 nights, but some parks may have longer minimum stay requirements during peak season.
See you in the parks!
